The Influence of Urbanization Level of Residence on the Health-Related Fitness of University Students

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of place of residence on the health-related fitness (H-RF) of university
students from Kielce, Poland. The research included 632 first-year students from the Jan Kochanowski University in
Kielce between 2015-2017. The research analyzed two basic components of H-RF─ morphological and circulatory-respiratory. In terms of the morphological component, body height and weight, as well as BMI were measured. In terms of the circulatory-respiratory component, the V·O2max was calculated utilizing the Astrand test, that allows the assessment of V·O2max in l/min and V·O2max in ml/kg/min and PWC170. Data regarding place of permanent residence of the students and physical activity in their free time were collected using a questionnaire. In this respect, the urban and rural environment were distinguished. Using the Vigorous Physical Activity index, two categories of physical activity in free time were distinguished, i.e. moderate and low. The obtained results indicate a differentiation of H-RF of the student, both in relation to the place of permanent residence and physical activity in their free time, that was slightly more pronounced in men than in women. This may denote that men are more eco-sensitive, meaning that they might be more susceptible to the influence of environmental factors.

doi:10.5671/ca.46.4.3